The long-term objective of this project is to characterize the molecular machinery responsible for eliminating misfolded, neurotoxic proteins so that they may be exploited for therapeutic intervention for neurodegenerative diseases such as spinobulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). SBMA is a hereditary disease characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord. SBMA is caused by trinucleotide (CAG) repeat expansion in the first exon of the androgen receptor gene leading to polyglutamine expansion in AR protein. Like other polyglutamine diseases, SBMA is characterized by accumulation of misfolded protein aggregates in degenerating neurons. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a microtubule-associated deacetylase with intrinsic polyubiquitin-binding activity. We recently determined that over-expression of HDAC6 rescues degeneration in SBMA flies, flies with proteasome mutations, and other fly models of neurodegenerative disease. HDAC6 rescues degeneration by facilitating the degradation of aberrant, ubiquitinated protein by the autophagy-lysosomal system. In this application, we will (1) test specific hypotheses regarding the molecular mechanism whereby HDAC6 facilitates autophagic degradation of aberrant protein, (2) determine the therapeutic potential of HDAC6 in mammals, and (3) use the power of fly genetics to gain unanticipated insights into the role of HDAC6 in cellular management of misfolded protein stress.

Public Health Relevance

Histone deacetylase 6 contributes to elimination of misfolded proteins from neurons and protects against neurodegeneration. It is not known how HDAC6 functions. This application seeks to understand the mechanism of HDAC6 function so that it may be exploited for therapeutics development.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AG031587-02
Application #
7683143
Study Section
Cellular and Molecular Biology of Neurodegeneration Study Section (CMND)
Program Officer
Wise, Bradley C
Project Start
2008-09-15
Project End
2013-08-31
Budget Start
2009-09-01
Budget End
2010-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$337,050
Indirect Cost
Name
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
067717892
City
Memphis
State
TN
Country
United States
Zip Code
38105
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